Lamine Yamal faces a race against time to be fit for the World Cup after suffering a serious hamstring injury against Celta Vigo and one television presenter has sensationally claimed the teenager has only himself to blame.
The 18 year old was forced off after converting a 40th minute penalty. He clutched his left hamstring. He signalled for medical assistance. His season was over.
Barcelona later confirmed a significant muscle tear. No more domestic campaign. A race against time for the World Cup.
Then came the accusation.
‘It’s not a coincidence’
Juan Furlanich of DSports launched a surprising attack on the player’s professionalism, linking the injury to a recent photo Yamal shared of himself eating McDonald’s on a private jet.
“It’s unbelievable that Lamine Yamal injured himself today taking a penalty kick,” Furlanich told Futbol Total.
“A footballer who less than 48 hours ago was jokingly eating fast food while arriving in the early hours of the morning on a private plane, 48 hours before a match.
“I believe that all of this is not a coincidence. It has to do with the consequences of probably not being well, not resting well, not taking care of yourself, and taking risks.
“It’s not a stolen photo. He himself boasted about these things.”
Barcelona’s official update
The club confirmed the worst. A hamstring injury to the biceps femoris muscle in his left leg. A conservative treatment plan. No more games this season.
The statement added that he is “expected to be available for the World Cup.” That is the priority now.
Fifty days until the tournament starts. Medical staff will focus everything on getting him fit for Spain.
The timing is catastrophic
Barcelona hold a nine point lead at the top of La Liga. That is healthy. But losing Yamal for next month’s El Clasico shifts the pressure onto the rest of Hansi Flick’s squad.
Sixteen goals and 11 assists in La Liga this season. That is not easily replaced.
The teenager has been sensational. Electric. Unplayable at times. Now he is watching from the sidelines.
The bottom line
Lamine Yamal is 18 years old. He is carrying the weight of Barcelona and Spain on his shoulders. He is also, apparently, being judged for what he eats on a private jet.
Furlanich’s comments will divide opinion. Some will call it harsh. Others will call it fair.
But the facts are clear. Yamal is injured. His season is over. And the World Cup is coming.
Whether McDonald’s had anything to do with it is impossible to prove. But the accusation has been made. And the teenager now has a race against time and a point to prove.